Turner Ward becomes D-backs assistant hitting coach

According to the Mobile Bay Bears of the Southern League, manager Turner Ward is leaving that post to become the assistant hitting coach for the Arizona Diamondbacks. In his new role, Ward will serve under batting coach Don Baylor.

Mobile is the Double-A affiliate of the D-backs.

Ward served as the Bay Bears manager for two seasons, leading the team to back-to-back Southern League championships. They were also honored as Baseball America's Minor League Team of the Year in 2011.

In two seasons as Mobile's skipper, Ward posted an overall record of 153-124.

Ward played in the Major Leagues from 1990 to 2001 for six different teams, including a 25-game stint with the Diamondbacks in 1999 and 2000. In his career, Ward hit .251 (389-for-1,548) with 39 home runs and 219 runs batted in.

Another former Diamondback, Andy Green, is expected to take over Ward's managerial post.